Shasta College and Shasta High School help students catch up

Shasta College and the Shasta Union High School District are teaming up to make a difference in students lives.

It’s a new program to help high school students behind on their credits to not only catch up but take college courses. The program is paid for by a grant and it’s called Gateway to College. There are 43 programs like this across the country.

Students who qualify not only get the extra help but a scholarship to help pay for college fees.

"It's helped me gain academic confidence which is I think the number one thing you need to have going into college," said Kari Muaddi-Carter, a student taking advantage of the program.

Carter is one of the first students to experience the program, she was behind in her high school credits so she said she was skeptical of the program at first but decided to give it a shot.

Students in the program are expected to be in class every day, work hard on their courses and do daily homework.

"We keep students together the first semester as a cohort, they take their classes together as a learning community," said Nancy Berkey, program director of Gateway to College.

So far the program has helped 23 students.

"You’re never too old to learn and I’ve talked to so many people who regret not going to school," said Carter. “And a couple of years ago I would have never thought it was important."